Astronomer Nick Hewitt invites the public to “drown in stars” during this weekend’s Geminid meteor shower. The yearly event peaks on December 14, offering a spectacular display of shooting stars.
The Geminid meteor shower is active from December 4-20 and can be seen with the naked eye in areas with minimal light pollution. Top tips for stargazing include dressing warmly, turning off lights around you, being patient, and waiting for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
Hewitt recommends visiting dark-sky locations such as rural areas surrounding Towcester or Raunds in Northamptonshire. He notes that even urban areas can offer a glimpse of the Milky Way on a clear night.
During peak hours, up to 150 meteors are expected to be visible, displaying varying colors including white, yellow, green, red, and blue. To fully appreciate the spectacle, Hewitt advises waiting for 10-15 minutes for your eyes to adjust.
The Geminid meteor shower is considered one of the most beautiful displays due to its unique color variations. By attending an astronomy talk or learning about constellations, viewers can enhance their stargazing experience and indulge in the wonder of the night sky.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3vrl2grd99o